Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-30

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The diagram below shows the process for recycling plastic bottles.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

How plastic bottles are recycled

Student answer (Band 6.5)

The following process diagram illustrates the procedure for recycling used bottles into useful products. It's a lengthy process that involves several steps, modern machines, and labour. It starts with collecting waste, sorting it out, breaking it into granules, and finally manufacturing beneficial products.

In the beginning, plastic bottles are collected from trash. Secondly, they are transported to a recycling facility through trucks and governmental machinery. Then, the plastic is sorted to process it further and separated from other waste. Moreover, it is compressed into large blocks and then crushed. Crushed materials are also washed.

In the sixth step, pellets are produced from the crushed material. Plastic pellets are heated to form the raw material, the granules. The raw material is then ready to manufacture products of your choice. Finally, many products such as T-shirts, shopping bags, boxes, pens, water bottles, and other plastic goods are produced.

In conclusion, recycling water bottles from scratch involves cost, travel, labour, and required machinery. Many beneficial products can be made from recycled plastic.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response successfully covers all the main stages of the recycling process, beginning with the collection of used bottles and ending with the manufacturing of end products. The overview provided in the introduction and conclusion effectively summarises the overall process. However, some minor details from the diagram could be better integrated or described with more precision, such as the exact sorting criteria and the specific mechanical actions. Nevertheless, all parts of the prompt are addressed, and the information is accurately reported without any major omissions or misinterpretations.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression from the beginning to the end of the recycling process. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, the middle steps of the process, and the conclusion. A variety of cohesive devices are employed to guide the reader through the stages, such as 'In the beginning', 'Secondly', 'Then', 'Moreover', and 'Finally'. While referencing and transitions are generally clear, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, preventing the response from reaching a higher band.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate and appropriate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully using terms related to industrial processes such as 'transported', 'compressed', 'crushed', 'granules', and 'manufacturing'. There are some less common lexical items attempted, though occasional word choices border on slightly informal or conversational, such as 'products of your choice'. Spelling and word formation are generally accurate, and vocabulary errors do not impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The text displays a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. The student attempts various structures, such as passive voice ('plastic bottles are collected', 'pellets are produced') which is appropriate for process descriptions. There are several error-free sentences, and grammar and punctuation are generally controlled well. While there are a few minor slips and a slightly conversational opening phrase ('It's a lengthy process'), overall grammatical control is sound and communication is never impeded.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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